Malibu Community and Residents: One Community, One School District

Malibu has always been more than just a city – we are a community. Our identity, from the beaches to the bluffs, is distinct. Yet for decades, our public schools have been part of a larger district centered in a different city, dozens of miles away. The push for a Malibu Unified School District is about aligning our schools with our community identity. It’s about having a school district that is truly of, by, and for Malibu.

Why is community control so important? Imagine local decisions about school programs reflecting Malibu’s values – because they’re made by Malibu residents and neighbors, many of whom grew up here, have kids in our schools, or have second and third generations of family members in our schools. Right now, major decisions (like budget allocations, school bonds, or election methods) are made with Santa Monica’s much larger population carrying more weight. For example, Malibu has had as little as one representative on the 7-member Board of Education. It’s hard for one voice to carry the concerns of an entire community. Through local control, by establishing our own school board, Malibu residents will finally have full representation. Every board member will be someone Malibu voters elect – accountable to Malibu’s electorate alone.

“Unification… will benefit all children in Santa Monica as well as Malibu, as each of the two resulting school districts will be better suited to utilize the unique resources and address the particular needs of their respective communities.” – City of Malibu Resolution 15-60 (the original petition for unification).

Being a community on the edge of a vast county, Malibu and its residents often have to fend for itself – we have our own city services, our own local media, and our own way of life. Our schools should be no different.

A Malibu USD means:

- Community-Informed Education: Malibu’s environmental richness and artistic vibe can shape our school programs. We could integrate ocean conservation projects, or local history into the curriculum (imagine units on Surfrider Beach or Chumash heritage across grade levels). A local school district can formalize partnerships with community organizations – like the Malibu Foundation, Emily Shane Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, or Pepperdine University – more easily to support our students.

- Stronger School-Community Bonds: School events, sports, and performances will truly be community events. We can schedule things to maximize Malibu participation (no more conflicting with Santa Monica’s calendar or commute issues). A new school district can also use its facilities to host community classes or meetings, reinforcing that our schools are the heart of Malibu.

- Local Accountability and Transparency: With local control and an MUSD, Malibu residents will have direct oversight of school finances and policies. MUSD school board meetings will be held here in Malibu at convenient times for residents. And because our community is smaller, issues won’t get lost in the shuffle. If something’s not right at a Malibu campus, the MUSD board and superintendent can address it immediately – and community members can easily show up to voice concerns or volunteer to help.

Our community has been working toward this goal for over a decade. In 2011, Advocates for Malibu Public Schools (AMPS) formed, gathering thousands of petition signatures. From the WestEd feasibility study  in 2015 that confirmed a Malibu district is viable, to the negotiating committee of Malibu and Santa Monica representatives that hashed out financial terms in 2016-17 (source). Malibu’s residents and community members have poured countless hours into making sure this separation is fair and well-planned. We have approached this responsibly – hiring expert consultants, engaging in mediation, and offering significant compromises to Santa Monica to reach a deal. (In fact, Malibu agreed to share revenue for up to 18+ years to ensure Santa Monica stays whole, and even considered an interim charter arrangement if needed (Source). 

At times, the process has been frustrating. We’ve hit delays – some driven by legitimate complexities, others by politics. But through it all, Malibu’s resolve has only grown stronger. When Santa Monica’s side missed a key deadline to approve the separation agreements in October 2024, Malibu’s City Council unanimously decided we must move forward independently.

Why? Because our community’s children deserve certainty. Because we trust that we have a sound plan that the County (and if needed, the State) will ultimately approve. And because Malibu’s unity on this issue is overwhelming – our PTA, our City leaders, and so many community voices have consistently supported the creation of MUSD.

We also understand Santa Monica is a community that cares about its schools, too. Separation is not about severing all ties or turning our backs on Santa Monica. We will continue to be neighbors and allies. In fact, part of the proposed plan is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA), where Malibu and Santa Monica could collaborate on shared interests (perhaps special education programs or certain extracurriculars). Both communities want all students to succeed. The separation simply recognizes that we can achieve that success more effectively with two focused districts rather than one stretched district.